Was in a Car Accident this morning..

[ramanth]

Photos in the first post.

I'm still pretty stiff and Ibuprofen doesn't seem to be doing the trick, so I have a doctor's appointment this morning. Wish me luck.

[cyber-sibes]

Hope everything checks out ok at the doctor's. We'll keep our paws crossed.

[ramanth]

To answer some of your questions.

Kimmy I'm really sorry to hear you had another accident. This is the same car that got hit last year isn't it? People need to pay more attention to what their doing!

Yep, same car, though the accident last year was my fault. I re-ended the car in front of me.

I'd like to know why she didn't get a ticket... To me it sounds like the officer thinks you both were responsiable for the accident. I would have insisted she get a ticket!

I don't know and the more I think about it the more I get peeved. She claims it was her first accident ever. So I'm not sure why the officer decided to be lenient.

So if the officer didn't give her a ticket... is she still responsible ???

MI has this 'No Fault' policy. So even though the police found her at fault for causing the accident, all that means is that her insurance has to pay the deductible on my car. Then, because I have full coverage, my insurance company decides if it wants to have the car repaired or claim it a total loss and give me what they think the car is worth. :\

[ramanth]

Minor whiplash. With daily stretches and Iburprofen I should be feeling better by next Wednesday.

[crazy_caique]

thank god you are not hurt

[Cinder & Smoke]

Her insurance has to pay the deductible on my car.
Then, because I have full coverage,
my insurance company decides if it wants to have the car repaired or
claim it a total loss and
give me what they think the car is worth.

"What THEY think the car is worth."

Kimmy ~

Do some research before you talk to the insurance "adjuster"!!

Check the "Kelly Blue Book" site >>>
http://www.kbb.com

for the exact Year, Model, Body Style, Engine, Trim Level, and OPTIONS you have
on the car - see what Mr. Kelly says it's worth.
Pay attention to the "condition" rating - can you claim this >>> ?

"Excellent" condition means that the vehicle looks new, is in excellent mechanical condition and needs no reconditioning. This vehicle has never had any paint or body work and is free of rust. The vehicle has a clean title history and will pass a smog and safety inspection. The engine compartment is clean, with no fluid leaks and is free of any wear or visible defects. The vehicle also has complete and verifiable service records. Less than 5% of all used vehicles fall into this category.

That "condition" is worth the most money - can you claim that with a straight face?

It doesn't *look* that badly damaged ...
but the crumple in the roof is reason to worry.

IF the insurance company wants to Fix It - have a long talk with the Body Shop
to be sure they plan to use NEW parts and will guarantee a First Class repair.

Hope your *aches* & *pains* don't get any worse!!

[ramanth]

Phred, Dad checked Kelly Blue Book and other 2000 Grand Am's with similar miles to mine that are on lots to get an idea of how much it's worth.

About $4000, and the damage cost is more than that, so the adjustor said it's a total loss.

Time to shop for a new car.

[Cinder & Smoke]

Dad checked Kelly Blue Book and other 2000 Grand Am's with similar miles to mine
that are on lots to get an idea of how much it's worth.

About $4,000 ...

Time to shop for a new car.

ONLY $4,000!???

That doesn't seem like much for a 5-6 year old car that looks like it's in GOOD Condition.

*Argue* for every penny you can get - be sure they are comparing cars with
the same features and condition as yours!
And remember - YOU have to find a replacement vehicle with what they give you!

Good Luck!!

[ramanth]

I think it's how many miles I have on it that really hurts the value. About 142 thousand.

A lotta trips to the dog park....

I bought it used for 12,000 in 2001.